I did something yesterday that I have never done before, I went skiing! Yesterday was the group ski where a bunch of people from GBS get together and go skiing. So, with some coaxing from a friend (thanks Zack) I consented to go. I admit to being slightly trepidatious about injury to my person, but I pushed past my fears and had a wonderful time! The ski lodge was extremely crowded, in fact I had to borrow a friends ski polls at first because they did not have any left. After a couple times down the Bunny Hill (what a derogatory name!) my teacher felt I was adequately prepared for a more challenging hill, one requiring a ski lift. After reaching the top (and nearly falling on my departing of the lift) I stood at the top of what seemed to me to be a precariously steep hill. However, with a little coaxing and coaching I soon began my descent. I was actually not doing too bad when all of a sudden, it happend. My skis went out from under me and down I went! Thankfully it was an easy fall and I was soon back on my feet and laughing at the sight I must have been. After a while she took my poles away from me, which turned out to be a good thing since it is easier to keep your balance. All in all I only fell four times, which I felt wasn't too bad for a first timer. By the end of the day I was taking a moderately sized hill without any problems. So, what did I learn from today? I learned that I absolutely love skiing! This is definitely something I will continue!

Ryan

Tags: Ski, Relax, fun, Friends

Credit for this blog goes to Jon Bart at www.jonbart.com. He has a blog on his site today that brought much laughter to my afternoon. It is a link to a compilation of Calvin & Hobbs comic stips concerning snowmen. Remember, I am not affiliated with this external link and you should always use discression when surfing the internet. Here is the link. Enjoy!

Ryan

Tags: Relax, fun

In English Composition 2 class we are discussing poetry, and Mr. Profitt brought in a few poems for us to listen to. Later, I was able to find them online where they are readily distributed. So, I decided I would pass a couple of them on to you. The first one is Flames, and the second is Marginalia. They are both neat little poems. Enjoy!

Ryan

Tags: fun

Our prayers have finally been answered, and snow has arrived to the GBS campus! I was overjoyed when I awoke this morning to behold the wondrous scene of a snow laced fountain! Because of the suddenness of the snowfall they decided to let GBS students stay on campus for the morning. So, on top of the inherently wonderful snow, we also were able to sleep in for a serene hour or so. I have tried to take a lot of pics which you can see here. Ahh, life on GBS campus is good today!

Ryan

Tags: Snow, GBS

A few days ago the ABS light came on in my car, indicating a mechanical problem with my anti-lock braking system. I could feel there was a problem soon after. It felt like you were stopping on ice, except on dry pavement. So, my Mom decided it would be best to switch cars with her so she can attempt to get it fixed up by our house. It was decided that we would meet halfway at my Grandpa & Grandma Plemmons house in Waynefield, OH. So, we decided to surpise my grandpa at work before heading over to a gym where their church youth group was meeting. It was really good to see my grandparents and cousins again! I took a few pictures which you can see here. I arrived safely back on campus around 5:00 P.M. tonight with a new (to me ) car. Incidentally, if you can pray that the repairs on my car will not amount to a significant amount I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Ryan

Tags: Car

We ventured out into the blistering cold this fine evening to go, where else, but ice skating! It's been a while since I have been ice skating and I couldn't wait! There were eight of us in the group, and we had an absolute blast! It was very crowded tonight, but it provided a fun obstacle course We skated for around 1 1/2 hours before heading out to the always acceptable Starbucks. I tried to take a lot of pictures which you can see here. Hope your night was as enjoyable as mine!

Ryan

Tags: Iceskate, fun, Friends

I think the entire campus was a little disheartened to see revival come to an end Friday night. It was an amazing service and the the presence of God was palpable. Numerous people received help throughout the revival including myself. I was challenged to dig in deeper spiritually, and my spiritual life has flourished because of it. He is so good!


Ryan

Tags: Revival, GBS

I was recently reacquainted with a game I recieved a couple of years ago for Christmas. I ran across it while at home on break and brought it back to school with me. I have since become slightly addicted. The game is essentailly a mind puzzle. Each of the cars on the board have their own track that they follow either up or down, or left or right. The object of the game is to get the red car through the opeing on the other side of the board. It comes with 40 cards that give you various setups, beginning with easy levels and moving to expert. You have to shift the cars all around in order to find the right pattern to allow the red car to escape. There can be up to 50 different steps (expert level) in order for this to occur. It is a remarkably fun game, if you enjoy puzzles.

Ryan

Tags: Toy, fun, Rushhour

Tonight was the official start of a week long revival here at GBS with the Rev. Duane Quesenberry. He did a phenomenal job tonight, and I was deeply challenged. Please be in prayer for us during this revival that God's presence would move on our campus in a fashion we have not seen for years, but more importantly that issues would be settled, and the lives of the GBS students would be impacted for eternity.

Ryan

Tags: Revival, Quesenberry, GBS

Some friends and I ventured out into the blistering cold (ha ha) weather tonight to the Newport area. They have a bookstore there with a balcony where I was able to take some cool shots. We then walked across the Purple People Bridge and circled back on a parallel bridge. It was a blast and alot of fun was had by all.

Ryan

Tags: fun, Friends, Relax, Cincinnati

And so it ends, another festive Christmas program has come and gone and now it's time to tear it all down. We made siginificant progress in reverting the chapel to it's original state. We are on schedule to have everything in order for Revival next week.

Ryan

Tags: Play, Drama, Cleanup, GBS

Just a quick note to let you know that I arrived safely back on campus around 12:00 P.M. yesterday. And so it begins...

Ryan

Tags: Back, Return, GBS